Sumo Wrestling: Things to Know

SUMO (相撲) is a famous wrestling sport from Japan, which is the only country where it is practiced professionally.

It’s said that Sumo has started in ancient time in Japan and it’s been associated with Shinto ritual. The sport become hugely popular and an entertainment for nations in Edo Period. Now, the grand tournament is held 6 times a year and it is one of most popular sports in the country.

-So how do they play SUMO??

Copyright: Better Than Bacon

Simple rule of Sumo, Rikishi (wrestlers) attempt to force an opponent to out of circle ring or to touch the ground with anything other than the soles of his feet. There is Gyoji (referee) inside the circle as well while they play.

Sumo is played inside the circle ring called Dohyo, which is 4.55m diameter made with clay and sand. There are 6 things burried underneath Dohyo to purify the field, which are kaya nut, washed rice, chestnuts, kelp, salt and dried cattlefish.

-What’s SUMO techniques??

Sumo’s winning technique is called Kimarite in Japanese. There are 82 winning techniques approved by Japan Sumo Association today. Here are most commonly used ones.

Yori Kiri (寄り切り) — Forcing out an opponent out of the circle by holding Mawashi

Tsuridashi (吊り出し)— Lifting an opponenet to out of the circle

Hatakikomi (叩き込み)– Slapping an opponent down to the ground

Uwatenage (上手投げ)– Throwing an opponent to the ground by grabbing Mawashi (overarm throw)

Shitatenage (下手投げ)- Throwing an opponent to the ground by grabbing Mawashi (underarm throw)

Hikiotoshi (引き落とし) — Pulling on an opponent’s shoulder, arm, or mawashi and forcing them to the ground

-What’s SUMO divisions??

There are over 600 professional Sumo wrestlers and over 40 Sumo stables in Japan. There are 6 divisions in Sumo: Makuuchi (max 42), Juryo (fixed at 28), Makushita (fixed at 120), Sandanme (fixed at 200), Jonidan (about 185), Jonokuchi (about 40). Wrestlers enter sumo in the lowest jonokuchi division, and ability permitting, work their way up to the top division. The grand tournament is only played by Makuuchi wrestlers.

Also there are several ranks in Makuuchi devision: Yokozuna (the grand champion), Ozeki (champion), Sekiwake (the second champion), Komusubi (the third champion) and Maegashira. There has been only 72 Yokozuna wrestlers in the history of Sumo and currently 4 of them still play. (April 2017)

-Where can we see SUMO??

Watch the tournament

Copyright: Kim Ahlström

The grand Sumo tournaments are held 6 times every year: three in Tokyo (January, May and September) and one in Osaka (March), Nagoya (July) and Fukuoka (November), and each tournament lasts for 15 days.

If you are in those city during the tournament, take an opportunity to see the tournament. Booking is available at following links by English!

Watch the morning practice

Photo by Magical Trip

There is also an unique way to see Sumo by visiting a Sumo stable and watch their morning practice. It’s totally private and exclusive experience to watch Sumo wrestlers very close. Booking available at the following link!